Larry Wright is the owner of The Green Pet Shop, a company he leads alongside his son, Brian. With a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Denver and two decades of experience as a commodities trader on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Larry brings a breadth of knowledge and a grounded leadership style to his work. He doesn’t claim expertise, preferring instead to stay curious, learn continuously, and guide his team by motivating them to be their best. Outside of business, Larry’s passions include animals, martial arts, golf, reading, history, sports, and philanthropy, reflecting a life rooted in discipline, generosity, and lifelong growth.

In this episode, Brad and Larry discuss:

• Larry’s journey from commodities trading to building a family-run business
• Transitioning from solo entrepreneur to leading a growing team
• Balancing family relationships and business dynamics
• Overcoming setbacks, including betrayal and financial risk
• Building trust, delegating, and empowering team members

Key Takeaways: 

• True leadership requires humility, a willingness to delegate, and surrounding yourself with people who have strengths you lack. Larry emphasized the importance of learning from others and letting go of ego to build an effective team.
• Building a successful business is as much about overcoming setbacks and adapting as it is about initial ideas. The conversation highlighted how perseverance through challenges shapes long-term success.
• Navigating the complexities of working with family requires patience, communication, and separating personal from professional roles. Larry shared how balancing being a father and a business partner demanded mutual respect and clear boundaries.
• Long-term success comes from trusting and empowering your team and letting go of micromanagement. By creating an environment where people feel ownership and responsibility, the company has been able to grow and thrive.
• Carefully managing risk, being properly capitalized, and working harder than your competitors are critical for new entrepreneurs. Larry stressed the value of calculated risk-taking and relentless effort as foundations for sustained business growth.

“Surround yourself first of all with people who are smarter than you. Get rid of your ego. Surround yourself with people who've done it, who are smarter than you, and who could teach you.” - Larry Wright

Connect with Larry Wright: 

Website: http://Thegreenpetshop.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wright-22099520/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenPetShop/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenpetshop/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Liz Kaminski is the founder of LK Marketing and has been a successful business owner for more than 25 years. Specializing in scheduling B2B sales appointments, she built her company as a fully remote operation long before remote work became mainstream. Liz has grown her business without taking a single loan, proving that with discipline, consistency, and smart decision-making, a company can thrive while remaining debt-free. Today, she enjoys the comfort and stability she created through perseverance and a commitment to doing business on her own terms.

In this episode, Brad and Liz discuss:

• How Liz transitioned from the restaurant industry to industrial sales and eventually entrepreneurship
• The pivotal moments and mentors that pushed her to take bold career risks
• The creation and evolution of LK Marketing into a flexible, remote inside-sales model
• The challenges of running a business without debt, contracts, or external funding
• The value of perseverance, mentorship, and support systems in building a meaningful career
• How work ethic, empathy, and personal connection still matter in an age of automation and AI

Key Takeaways: 

• Success often comes from seizing imperfect opportunities rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Taking action, even when afraid, can change the entire trajectory of your life.
• Building a debt-free business takes patience and consistency, but it also creates freedom, stability, and lasting trust with clients and employees.
• Mentors and support systems, whether family, friends, or business peers, are vital for resilience and long-term success.
• Technology may change how business is done, but genuine human connection and clear communication will always be key to building strong client relationships.
• Leadership means treating people with respect while maintaining high standards. Rewarding hard work builds loyalty and motivation that no algorithm can replace.

“Don't wait, you know? Because you can always try again. Life is full of experimenting on what works for you and what doesn't work for you in personal life and in business.” - Liz Kaminski

Connect with Liz Kaminski: 

Website: https://lkmkt.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkmkt/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Carl Kutsmode is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in executive recruiting, leadership coaching, and career transition. He has built and sold two successful firms and now leads B2B-VIP Executive Alliance, a firm dedicated to serving the leadership talent needs of high-growth mid-market and PE/VC-backed companies. Through a unique three-tier ecosystem of executive search, leadership coaching, and a curated executive network, Carl helps senior executives and organizations thrive in times of transformation.

In this episode, Brad and Carl discuss:

• How Carl transitioned from management consulting to executive recruiting and entrepreneurship
• The story behind building and selling two successful recruiting firms and launching a third
• Why focusing on relationships, not transactions, drives long-term business success
• How clarity, mentorship, and focus helped him avoid common entrepreneurial missteps
• His advice for starting a business, cultivating trust, and leading with integrity

Key Takeaways: 

• Success in business comes from clarity of purpose and the courage to focus on what truly matters. When you stop trying to be everything to everyone, you make room for real growth.
• Relationships are the engine of business success. Investing in people, not transactions, builds trust and long-term opportunity.
• Passion and purpose should drive your venture, not just profit. If you chase the work that fulfills you, money and success will follow.
• Surround yourself with mentors and trusted advisors. Their feedback helps you stay grounded, focused, and resilient in difficult times.
• Take calculated risks, maintain integrity, and never sacrifice reputation for short-term gains. It’s your most valuable business asset.

“You can't be everything to everybody, so it gets back to focus. So clear vision with a focus, communicate that to your employees and or clients early and often, and then focus your time and energy on creating memorable, positive experiences for your clients and employees.” — Carl Kutsmode

Connect with Carl Kutsmode: 

Website: https://b2b-vip.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlkutsmode/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-vip-executive-alliance/?viewAsMember=true 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Damian Buchman is the founder of The Ability Center (TAC) and a passionate advocate for universal accessibility and inclusive recreation. A two-time childhood bone cancer survivor, Damian turned his personal story into a lifelong mission to ensure that people of all abilities can play, move, and connect together. Under his leadership, TAC is transforming Greater Milwaukee into a national model for inclusive spaces—where every child, parent, and friend can participate side by side. His work has earned numerous community awards and national recognition for advancing diversity, equity, and accessibility. A devoted father of three, Damian continues to inspire change through his belief that no one should ever be left on the sidelines.

In this episode, Brad and Damian discuss:

• How Damian’s journey as a two-time childhood cancer survivor led him to create The Ability Center
• The challenges and realities of running a nonprofit like a business on limited resources
• What “universal accessibility” really means and how design can erase disability barriers
• The importance of inclusive recreation spaces that allow everyone to play together
• How the Ability Center’s initiatives, like adaptive sports and the Universal Park, are transforming communities nationwide

Key Takeaways: 

• Running a nonprofit requires the same business discipline as any company, but with far fewer financial resources. It’s about strategy, trust, and maximizing every dollar to create impact.
• Inclusive design can remove barriers that disable people when environments are built for everyone; disabilities often disappear.
• Universal accessibility benefits entire families, not just individuals with disabilities. Designing for inclusion brings social and economic rewards for communities.
• The Ability Center’s mission goes beyond disability. It’s about bringing people together through shared play, movement, and connection.
• The future of accessibility lies in collaboration: when governments, donors, and communities invest in inclusion, everyone wins.

“You are disabled by the environment, and if you create environments that are inclusive and accessible, the disability almost disappears.” - Damian Buchman

Connect with Damian Buchman: 

Website: https://tacwi.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacwi/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianbuchman/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/theabilitycenter/ 

Additional Resource: http://www.universalpark.org 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Matt Kemblowski is the founder of MJK Connections LLC, where he helps small and midsize companies find the right people through thoughtful, relationship-driven recruiting. With more than 20 years of experience, Matt believes the best hires come from truly understanding what makes people happy and motivated at work. His approach combines strategy, process, and genuine connection to create meaningful results for both candidates and employers.

In this episode, Brad and Matt discuss:

• The personal story behind Matt’s 20-year recruiting career and founding MJK Connections LLC
• Why building authentic relationships matters more than resumes in recruiting
• How small and mid-sized businesses can find the right talent despite market challenges
• The evolving mindset of today’s candidates and how job hopping has changed post-pandemic
• Why genuine communication, especially during rejection, creates lasting trust

Key Takeaways: 

• Recruiting is about problem-solving, not just filling jobs, and understanding the “why” behind each hire is key.
• Candidates today prioritize happiness, flexibility, and meaningful work over salary alone.
• Consistent communication and empathy can transform the candidate experience and strengthen employer brands.
• “Job hopping” often reflects growth, not instability. Context and motivation matter more than tenure.
• True success in recruiting comes from staying authentic, following through, and valuing people as individuals, not transactions.

“We can’t be all things to all people. We can't solve every business's problem, but understanding who we want to serve, how we want to serve them, and then go all in on that.” - Matt Kemblowski

Connect with Matt Kemblowski: 

Website: https://www.mjkconnections.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kemblowski/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Lisa Canning is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience helping small business owners build and grow their ventures. Her leadership and innovative approach have garnered significant recognition, including being named one of the top 500 female founders by Inc. Magazine in 2025 and earning a spot on their fastest-growing Midwest list.

Lisa's commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture was further highlighted when she received the Culture Breakthrough Award from Hyer.co in 2025, a testament to her dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for her team. 

Sales Maven specializes in collaborating with organizations that prioritize the development of strong marketing and sales teams through emotionally intelligent strategies. By focusing on authentic connections with clients and their target markets, Lisa helps transform visions into actionable strategies that drive significant results while promoting a culture of growth and empowerment. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Lisa continues to inspire and lead others toward success.

In this episode, Brad and Lisa discuss:

• How Lisa transitioned from a professional clarinetist to a multimillion-dollar business owner.
• The role of creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence in building successful teams.
• How small businesses can overcome inconsistent growth through structure and strategy.
• The challenges of scaling with limited resources and leveraging fractional talent effectively.
• The growing impact of AI on marketing, authenticity, and human connection in business.

Key Takeaways: 

• Sustainable growth starts with defining roles, setting clear lanes, and fostering trust within teams.
• Small businesses often struggle with “doing it all,” but delegation and structure create real momentum.
• Marketing and sales are not luxuries; they’re essential investments that insulate businesses during downturns.
• Fractional and outsourced experts can offer high-level strategy at accessible costs for small enterprises.
• Authenticity will become a key differentiator in an AI-driven marketplace, and human connection still matters.

“Sales and marketing are not nice to have, but they’re essential and the trick is to figure out how to effectively manage them at a price you can manage long-term.” — Lisa Canning

Connect with Lisa Canning: 

Website: https://www.salesmaven.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacanning/ 

Pillars of Performance Podcast: https://pillarsofperformancepodcast.com/ 

Additional Resources:  https://www.thinkherrmann.com/whole-brain-thinking-methodology

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Randolph Pitzer is a seasoned communications leader with over 30 years of experience driving high-impact public relations campaigns across enterprise technology, telecommunications, and industrial B2B sectors. A former journalist turned PR strategist, he began his career with the St. Louis Public Schools, earning recognition from the National School Public Relations Association and a local Emmy. Randy later held key roles at global agencies such as Edelman, Ketchum, and Ogilvy, and led communications for SPSS (IBM) and Spyglass during their IPOs. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he combines strategic precision with storytelling mastery to help brands strengthen reputations and achieve measurable business impact.

In this episode, Brad and Randolph discuss:

• The journey from journalism to public relations and lessons learned along the way
• The role of storytelling and strategy in effective brand communication
• Challenges of running a solo PR business and managing cash flow
• The impact of AI on communications and how to use it as a productivity tool
• Overcoming imposter syndrome, taking smart risks, and the mindset of “just doing it”

Key Takeaways: 

• Align communications with business goals, not vanity metrics. True PR success isn’t about how many impressions you make — it’s about creating measurable business impact and strengthening a brand’s bottom line through purposeful storytelling.
• Cash flow remains one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneurs. Building strong relationships, maintaining persistence, and consistently nurturing your network can help sustain momentum even during lean seasons.
• AI can be a powerful ally when used with intention. It enhances productivity, sharpens writing, and accelerates workflows — but it should complement human creativity and strategy, never replace them.
• Imposter syndrome is more common than most admit. The best antidote is forward motion — keep working, stay grounded, and trust that progress builds confidence faster than perfection ever will.
• “Just do it” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mindset. Preparation and strategy matter, but nothing replaces taking action. Success often begins the moment you decide to move, even when the path isn’t fully clear.

“When we got on the JUST DO IT thing, and how simple that message is, but how meaningful it is, I would impart it to any small business person or any person trying to think about and going into business. Be smart about it. Be prepared. But at the end of the day, if you don't do it, it's not going to get done. So, you just have to do it. And if you fail, you just pick yourself up and try it again.” - Randolph Pitzer

Connect with Randolph Pitzer: 

Website: https://pitzerrelations.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randolphpitzer/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What happens when success comes faster than you can handle it? In this episode of Built Without a Net, host Brad Foley shares how HR Value Partners grew from steady progress to an overwhelming surge—adding 12 new clients in just four months. What began as a marketing triumph quickly revealed cracks in onboarding, leadership planning, and team capacity. Brad reflects on the hard lessons learned from rapid expansion and offers practical insights on sustainable growth, smart hiring, and protecting both your people and your clients along the way.

In this episode, Brad discusses:

• The struggles of scaling HR Value Partners and the realities of rapid business growth
• How cold calling and email marketing evolved his client acquisition strategy
• The dangers of growing faster than your team or systems can handle
• Employee burnout, client strain, and the consequences of poor onboarding
• The leadership lessons learned from unsustainable expansion and recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• Sometimes, the smartest business decision is restraint. True sustainability comes from pacing expansion in alignment with your team’s capacity and your systems’ readiness.
• Great leaders recognize that excitement can mask exhaustion. Establish growth goals based on strategy and data, not just morale or momentum.
• When cracks appear in performance or service, it’s usually a signal to reassess leadership structure and workload distribution. Accountability starts at the top.
• Every rushed hire or shortcut in training eventually leads to bigger problems—lost clients, high turnover, and eroded trust. Investing upfront in preparation pays off tenfold.
• Rapid success can disguise instability. Sustainable success depends on maintaining the balance between growth and operational integrity.

“Sustainable growth requires way more than sales energy. It requires that you have the capacity for that client. It requires that you have the systems in place. It requires that you have leadership discipline. It requires that you have employees that are prepared for the challenges of serving those clients.” - Brad Foley

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Behind every thriving business is a strong HR foundation—but the hidden costs of getting it wrong can quietly drain your resources and derail your growth. In this episode of Built Without a Net, host Brad Foley takes a hard look at five overlooked areas in HR that often cost business owners far more than they realize. From the steep price of turnover and bad hires to the risks of non-compliance, poor onboarding, and unresolved employee issues, Brad breaks down where the money really goes and what leaders can do to protect their people, their culture, and their bottom line.

In this episode, Brad discusses:

• Why turnover costs can equal 50% to 200% of an employee’s salary
• How desperation hiring leads to bad hires and long-term costs
• The risks of non-compliance penalties, from I-9s to OSHA fines
• How poor onboarding disguises itself as bad hiring
• The hidden danger of unresolved employee issues and their impact on morale

Key Takeaways: 

• Turnover is never a neutral event; it drains productivity, disrupts team culture, and can cost a company anywhere from 50% to 200% of an employee’s salary. The financial and cultural impact is magnified in smaller organizations.
• Desperate hiring almost always backfires. A poor hiring decision often ends up costing more than the turnover it was meant to solve.
• Years without compliance issues don’t mean you’re safe. When violations are uncovered, the penalties can be severe and long-lasting.
• Poor onboarding disguises great hires as bad ones. Without clear processes and thoughtful orientation, new employees are set up to fail or leave early.
• Unresolved employee complaints don’t fade with time; they grow. Ignoring these concerns leads to lower morale, decreased productivity, and ultimately client dissatisfaction.

“HR as a function isn't just about avoiding problems, although that is a big piece of it, right? But it's really about protecting your investment in your people.” - Brad Foley

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Don Surber is Chairman and CEO of ATF, Inc., a global leader in specialty fasteners. A 50-year veteran of the manufacturing industry, Don began his career at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) before becoming President of ATF in 1978 and later acquiring the company in 1982. Under his leadership, ATF grew into a multi-divisional enterprise with ventures such as Rifast Systems and Asyst Technologies. In 1998, he co-founded the Global Fastener Alliance, linking family-owned companies worldwide. A past Chairman of the Industrial Fastener Institute, Don has long championed people development as the key to business success. Beyond industry, he and his family founded the Jason R. Surber Matthews Home charity, which builds housing and strengthens communities in North Chicago.

In this episode, Brad and Don discuss:

• Don’s 50-year journey in the manufacturing industry and the founding of ATF
• Why human resources and people development remain the cornerstone of business success
• How recessions and economic downturns can create hidden opportunities
• The importance of calculated risk-taking and entrepreneurial resilience
• Don’s passion for community service and founding the Jason R. Surber Matthews Home

Key Takeaways: 

• Developing people isn’t just part of business—it’s the core foundation that drives growth, culture, and long-term sustainability. Without investing in people, no strategy will truly last.
• Economic downturns, while often feared, can present the greatest opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to see beyond the challenges and take bold but calculated risks.
• The three Ps—passion, purpose, and people—are not optional values; they are the essential elements that fuel success both in business and in life.
• Resilience is about more than survival; it means adapting to change, learning from setbacks, and viewing failure as a powerful teacher for future progress.
• True success isn’t measured only by revenue or companies built—it’s equally about giving back, serving the community, and creating a lasting positive impact.

“Wake up every morning with a purpose, wake up every morning with a passion, and have people in your life every day.” - Don Surber

Resources: 

JRS Matthew Homes: https://jrsmatthewhomes.com/ 

Renew Communities: https://www.renewcommunities.org/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.